Two new Chinooks ready for service in Afghanistan
14 Jan 10
RAF Odiham, the home of the RAF Chinook fleet, has opened its hangar doors to welcome two new recruits. Report by Leigh Morrison.
The new Mk3 Chinook arriving at RAF Odiham in Hampshire
[Picture: SAC Andy Masson, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
The first two Chinook helicopters, of eight that will be delivered to Odiham this year, have arrived at the base ready for service in Afghanistan.
These new Mk3 Chinooks have been modified by Boeing and now have more powerful engines
The arrival of the aircraft in Afghanistan will see a significant increase to support on the front line in Afghanistan as they are suitable for a variety of roles, including carrying up to 55 troops or ten tonnes of freight.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:
"Chinook is a fantastic workhorse which is well thought of not only by those who fly and maintain them, but also by those they support.
"The arrival of these aircraft is further evidence of the measures we have taken to strengthen our Support Helicopter Force and follows my announcement three weeks ago that we plan to buy up to 22 more Chinooks."
Chinooks are crucial to the efforts of British forces in Afghanistan and are used to transport troops and casualties, supply forward operating bases and support logistical efforts.
Commander of Joint Helicopter Command, Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, said:
"Chinook is a battle-winner in theatre. These Chinooks will make a tangible difference in theatre and will specifically first help out with training to make sure that our aircrews are as prepared as they can be.
A Mk3 Chinook with the ramp down
[Picture: Andrew Linnett, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
"The Chinook is a complementary capability in our counter-IED operations, with the 1,200 new armoured vehicles that have been procured for us. In this way the force commander has the maximum flexibility to adjust his operation depending on the tactical situation."
The eight Mk3 Chinooks will bring the total number in the fleet to 46 by the end of 2010, and another 24 are in the pipeline. Ten, including replacements for two aircraft lost on operations during 2009, are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2013.
RAF Odiham Station Commander and UK Chinook Force Commander, Group Captain Steve Shell, said:
"There will be a total of six Chinooks ready by the summer and eight by the end of the year. I'll have the first operational flight ready, should we want to deploy to Afghanistan, by July."
The Mk3 Chinooks will gradually join the routine rotation of aircraft through operational deployment in Afghanistan.